Bow stabilizer

ABSTRACT

An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a flexible planar member with one end attached to a bow handle; second weighted end extending so end moves at a substantially perpendicular direction to bow handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the shooting of an archery bow it is desirable for the bow to be in abalanced position in the grip so that it does not tip upward when shot.As in U.S. Pat. No. 3,196,860 a stabilizing weighted extension, orstabilizer works to counterbalance the bow so that it is in a balancedposition.

Also as a bow is shot it may move forward as the limbs rebound forward.A resiliently mounted stabilizer weight cushions against and limits thismovement.

Additionally bowhunters value a quiet shot which does not alarm animals,and have found resiliently mounted stabilizers like that in U.S. Pat.No. 3,412,725 siphon off vibrations silently and quiet the bow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention consists of a stabilizer made of a planar memberwith a weighted end the other end of which is attached to a bow. Theplanar member extends outward and to a position where the weighted endis in a substantially parallel plane to the bow. The projected weightbalances the bow and moves in a substantially horizontal movementopposing the forward movement of the bow. The preferred embodimentconsists of a planar member of spring steel with a molded weight such aslead molded to one end, the other end attaching to the bow with a screw.This simple novel arrangement of three parts provides for economy,durability, balance, cushioning and silence. In an additional embodimenta pliable member may be attached to the flexible planar member tosilently vibrate to further reduce noise.

Briefly stated, one object of the present invention is to provide adurable and economical stabilizer to improve the balance of a bow whenheld.

Another object is to provide a stabilizer that cushions the bow fromforward movement when shot.

Another object is to siphon vibrations from the bow to a resilientlymounted stabilizer for a quieter shot.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will becomemore apparent from the reading of the following description inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a view in front elevation of one embodiment of the stabilizerof this invention.

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the stabilizer shown in FIG. 1,with the addition of a screw;

FIG. 3 is a view in side elevation of a second embodiment of stabilizer;

FIG. 4 is a view in side elevation of a third embodiment of stabilizer;

FIG. 5 is a view in side elevation of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view in side elevation of somewhat schematic, of a compoundbow with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 attached to a handle ofthe bow; and

FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation of a fifth embodiment.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enablesone skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes severalembodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of theinvention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode ofcarrying out the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a weighted end 1 is attached to a flexibleplanar member 2. The planar member 2 has integral with one end, amounting tab 100, with a screw attachment hole 3 through it. Themounting tab 100 and screw attachment hole 3 are common to all of theembodiments, as is the planar member, depending from the mounting tab100, and a weight at the end of the planar member.

Referring to FIG. 2, a weighted member 4 is attached to flexible member5. In this illustrative embodiment, the weighted member 4 is lead,molded to the outer end of the flexible member 4. A screw 6 extendsthrough the hole 3 in the tab 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a weighted member is formed in two parts, 7 and8, attached to a flexible planar member 9 with a screw 10 extendingthrough a hole in the planar member 9. In this embodiment, a pliablemember 11 is attached to flexible planar member 9, to silently vibrateto further reduce noise. A screw 12 is inserted through a hole inmounting tab 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, planar member 25 is linear, as distinguished fromthe arcuate planar members 5 and 9 of FIGS. 2 and 3, member 14 of FIG. 5and member 18 of FIG. 6. Planar member 25 does project forwardly anddownwardly from the mounting tab 100. In this illustrative embodiment,weight 24 is molded to the end of planar member 25.

Referring to FIG. 5, a weighted member 13 is attached to a flexibleplanar member 14 with the screw 15. A mounting screw 16 extends throughthe hole in mounting tab 100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a weighted member 17 is attached to an arcuateflexible planar member 18, which is attached to bow handle 19 with ascrew 20. The weight 17 is in a preferred position below the handle 19and lower arm of the compound bow of which the handle 19 is a part.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a weighted member 21 is attached to the lowerend of an inverted L-shaped flexible planar member 22. A mounting screw23 extends through a mounting hole in the mounting tab 100, which inthis embodiment is at right angles to a substantially horizontal leg ofthe flexible planar member 22.

The mounting screws 6, 12, 26, 16, and 23 can be wood screws or shortcarriage bolts, preferably taking into internally threaded bushings, setin the handle.

Numerous variations in the construction of the stabilizer of thisinvention within the scope of the appended claims will occur to thoseskilled in the art in light of foregoing disclosure. For example whilein the preferred embodiment the planar member is made of spring steel,other materials such as rubber, plastic, etc. may be used. While thepreferred width of the planar member is ¾ to 1.0″, the planar member canbe wider or narrower, so long as it does not twist when an arrow isshot. The weighted portion may be of lead, brass or other metals ormaterials. While the preferred weight is 4 to 6 ounces, other weight maybe used, depending upon the bow weight for example. Other shapes may beused if desired. The pliable member attached to the flexible planarmember may be of any shape, preferably with a portion of the pliablemember free to silently vibrate. The pliable member may be attached byany means such as glue or constriction. All or part of the stabilizermay be rubber coated. The shape of the planar member may be preformed orshaped by its flex. Since the stabilizer is made of a lower extendingplanar member multiple stabilizers may be piggy backed using one screw.While the preferred location of the stabilizer is below the grip, it maybe located above the grip, and may be inverted, and multiple stabilizersmay be located along the handle length. These are merely illustrative.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. Asvarious changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1. An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a flexible planar member withone end attached to a bow handle, a second end of said planar memberhaving an attached weight, said planar member and said weight extendingforwardly and to a position at which said weight lies in a substantiallyparallel plane to said bow handle.
 2. The stabilizer of claim 1 whereinsaid flexible planar member is rubber.
 3. The stabilizer of claim 1wherein said flexible planar member is spring steel.
 4. The stabilizerof claim 1 wherein said flexible planar is curvilinear.
 5. Thestabilizer of claim 1 wherein said planar member consists of a length ofspring steel and said attached weight is molded to one end.
 6. Thestabilizer of claim 1 wherein said stabilizer consists of a length ofspring steel, said weight being screwed to an outer end.
 7. Thestabilizer of claim 1 wherein a pliable member is attached to saidplanar member.
 8. An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a planarmember with one end attached to a bow handle, a second end of planarmember having an attached weight, wherein a first portion of said planarmember extends outward in a substantially perpendicular direction tosaid bow handle, and a second portion extends in a substantiallyparallel direction to said bow handle.
 9. An archery bow stabilizerconsisting of a flexible planar member with a weighted end attached toan archery bow with a separate upper limb and a separate lower limbattached to a handle, wherein at least a portion of the weighted end ofthe stabilizer projects below the attachment point of the limbs to thehandle.
 10. The bow of claim 9 wherein said planar member is arcuate.